Lesson 23: I Can Escape from the World I See by Giving Up Attack Thoughts

In this lesson, we get to one of the most crucial ideas in A Course in Miracles. It’s simple but powerful: the world we see is a direct reflection of our thoughts, especially attack thoughts. Whether we’re holding onto blame, anger, or fear, these thoughts shape how we experience everything around us. So, if we want to change the world we see, we have to work on our thoughts.

Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? Yet, it's not easy. The lesson reminds us that trying to change the world without changing our thoughts is futile. It's like trying to fix the shadow on a wall without addressing what's casting the shadow. Our attack thoughts—those that come from fear, guilt, and separation—are the cause, and what we see in the world is merely the effect.

Understanding the Root of Fear and Attack

A key takeaway here is that every negative reaction we have—whether it's irritation, blame, or full-blown anger—is an attack thought. Even feeling like a victim, something we all do at times, is just another form of attack. It’s saying, “I’m suffering because of something or someone else,” and that leads to more separation and fear.

Jesus teaches that we can’t find peace while holding onto attack thoughts. In fact, these thoughts create a vicious cycle where we project our inner guilt and fear onto the world, only to see it reflected back at us. It’s a loop that keeps us stuck.

But here’s the good news: we have the power to escape this world of fear and vengeance by choosing differently. The moment we decide to give up our attack thoughts, we can see the world through new eyes—through the lens of love and unity instead of fear and separation.

Practical Steps in Changing Perception

The lesson gives a clear structure to help with this. It suggests we look around us several times a day, identifying our attack thoughts, and saying, “I can escape from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts about _____.” By doing this, we’re acknowledging that the world we see isn’t fixed; it’s shaped by how we think. And when we shift our thinking, the world shifts too.

It’s essential to understand that giving up attack thoughts isn’t about denial or ignoring reality. Instead, it’s about seeing the truth behind the illusions we’ve created. We’re not trying to change the shadows; we’re working on the source of the shadow—our own thoughts.

The ultimate goal is to understand that attack and self-attack are the same. Feeling like a victim or thinking someone else is to blame are two sides of the same coin. When we let go of the need to attack—ourselves or others—we free ourselves from the painful cycle of fear and judgment.

The Importance of Practice

Of course, this isn’t a one-time thing. It takes practice—repeatedly bringing those attack thoughts to the surface, recognising them for what they are, and choosing to let them go. The more we do this, the more we clear the way for true peace, not just in our minds but in how we experience the world.

This lesson encourages us to take responsibility for our thoughts, knowing that with every thought we change, we’re stepping closer to a world of peace rather than conflict.

Bibliography:

A Course in Miracles. Foundation for Inner Peace. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, 3rd Edition. Foundation for Inner Peace, 2007. URL: https://acim.org.